Book a Flight to Kuala Lumpur with Qatar Airways

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s vibrant and multi-cultural capital city. Given its population of around two million, it may surprise many who fly to Kuala Lumpur to learn that the city is less than two centuries old. In that time, it has grown from a small tin-mining settlement in the jungle established by Chinese prospectors, to a global city and regional hub. Book a flight to Kuala Lumpur with Qatar Airways to discover an enigmatic city, from the sights and sounds of the Old Town, to the skyscrapers of the Golden Triangle.

Tourist attractions

The real must-see for most visitors to Kuala Lumpur is the manmade spectacle of the Petronas Towers. These twin skyscrapers were the tallest buildings in the world at the turn of the 21st century, and although that lofty title is no longer valid, they remain a popular attraction with awe-inspiring views from the 86th floor and the sky bridge on the 41st floor. The nearby KL Tower is another skyscraper in the Golden Triangle that is popular with tourists who have a head for heights.

Despite the tangle of concrete and glass that pervades the city, it is also possible to enjoy more natural attractions during your trip to Kuala Lumpur. Aquaria KLCC features a large aquarium and underwater tunnel, while the KL Bird Park is home to more than 200 species of birds from around Asia.

Leisure activities

In recent decades, Kuala Lumpur has developed an impressive range of activities to be enjoyed by both locals and tourists. Paddling boats can be hired in picturesque natural surroundings at Lake Titiwangsa, while outdoor swimming with some incredible views is the order of the day at the Chin Woo Stadium.

Many people travel to Kuala Lumpur to relax in luxury, as the city is home to many spas and relatively affordable 5-star hotels. You might also consider learning how to cook Malaysian cuisine, or how to meditate during your trip to Kuala Lumpur.

Eating in Kuala Lumpur

In Kuala Lumpur, you can explore the food of Malaysia without blowing your holiday budget, although there are also high-end restaurants available in the Golden Triangle, Heritage Row and elsewhere throughout the city.

As with other locations in Southeast Asia, there’s plenty of street food to enjoy, and the standards of hygiene at these street side vendors are generally quite good in Malaysia. Popular local delicacies include Rendang Curry, Nasi Lemak (fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf), Nasi Goreng (stir-fried rice with meat) and Roti Canai, a doughy breakfast dish.

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur

For some, travelling to Kuala Lumpur is all about shopping, and with good reason. The city is Malaysia’s main centre of commerce and retail, and has more than 60 shopping centres covering a range of budgets. Suria KLCC is one of the most popular, with more than 400 shops located at the Petronas Towers. Berjaya Times Square is one of largest shopping malls in the world, and offers 12 floors of shopping.

Cultural considerations

In order to understand Malaysia when travelling to Kuala Lumpur, it’s important to comprehend that it’s a country made up of many different cultures, notably Malay, Chinese, Indian and Eurasian. Many of these cultures share the concept of ‘face’, in which an individual or business can gain or lose face through their own actions or the actions of another.

There’s also a mix of religious faiths within the city, with the Malay majority being predominantly Muslim. When visiting religious sites during your travels to Kuala Lumpur, be sure to show the proper level of respect.

Travel requirements

Flights to Kuala Lumpur arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. So before you fly to Kuala Lumpur please check the visa and passport requirements.